It’s PINKtober again

Hi everyone,

It’s time for an update on life!

I might have mentioned that I was heading on a multi-doctor tour over the last few days.  I have some updates:

Dr. Sara Greenhill Pulmonologist – the sarcoid in my chest does not seem to be causing any issues or symptoms so I am good for another year before I have to see her.  I do have to schedule a breathing function test and an eye exam prior to next year’s appointment.

Dr. Jennifer Kurka Primary Care Physician – this is a new doctor on the board.  I have dumped the lousy primary doctor I had before who told me I didn’t have cancer and makes it very difficult for me to keep one of my prescriptions current.  I really like this doctor – definitely looking at the WHOLE person.  We talked about everything going on and she firmly suggested I get a flu shot and a tetanus shot.  I strongly objected but there I was getting the shots anyway.  All I’m going to say is that there better be a nasty flu this year that keeps away from me!  I also got to donate some blood to test my cholesterol and sugar levels.  By the way – they came back fine!

Dr. Lingareddy Radiation Oncologist – can I tell you how wonderful it is to see this woman?  She is ALWAYS upbeat and positive!  When surrounded by a lot of clinical stuff, it is nice to have one doctor that gives you a hug!  She is thrilled with my progress.  I still have some discoloration from the radiation area.  She said that if it doesn’t clear up in the next 6 months, she has a cream that will take care of it.  She loved the range of motion I have and explained that I am still healing from this so as long as I keep moving forward and keep it moving, things will progress perfectly.  I still have some tightness in the muscles around the beast and into my arm.  She needs to see me again in 6 months!

Dr. Hantel Oncologist – This was the best conversation in terms of the big picture.

ME: “So where are we at…what am I?”

HANTEL: “You’re cancer free.  Not cured.  But you are cancer free.”

BEST WORDS EVER!!!  WOO HOO!!!

We talked about the one thing left on the list of the cancer fight – getting the ovaries out.  This has been a long conversation and I did decide to have it done which makes Hantel happy.  He wants to see me again in 4 months.  AND it was time to schedule a mammogram for the right side only.  He explained that the left side isn’t a beast anymore.  He didn’t know what it is, but it isn’t a beast.  It’s funny because I still kind of consider it this foreign thing and I suppose it really is!

I stopped by the Beast Center to schedule my appointment and how about that – they can get me in that afternoon!  I return about 2:00 and get the right one taken care of.  Since there is an implant in there, they have to sort of move it out of the way to do the test.  It isn’t as bad as last year’s and I figure that the results can be nowhere near as bad as last year’s.  The results came back that the right side is clear!  YAY!!!

Dr. Casey Morris gynecologist.  It was time for my annual girly check up.  We talked about the ovary surgery and getting that on the schedule and moving forward.  October 22 at 7:30 in the morning.  All righty then!

The funny thing is that every one of these doctors are in a different place and Hantel remarked that I’m promiscuous with my care providers.  I responded that I liked to consider myself an equal opportunity patient who looks beyond affiliations!!!  ha ha ha ha.

And of course it’s PINKtober again.  There will be haters out there saying “Why does beast cancer get all the funding and attention?”  My response this year is that while beast cancer is the focus – the word CANCER is still there and I have to think that anyone who hasn’t been touched by this horrible disease has a glimpse into the cancer world this month.  I also have to believe that the research done will carry over into other cancers as well.

In the spirit of PINKtober, I am participating in an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to support Beast Cancer research and prevention and all that good stuff!  If you would like to make a donation to my team, here is the link:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=MSABC_CY13_Donate_Landing

Hair update?

It is curly as ever.  Hantel explained this one.  If you have straight hair, the hair follicle itself is cylindrical.  Curly hair is flatter in its structure.  Chemo flattens out the hair follicle so almost everyone who loses their hair will have a period of curly hair until it grows out and the original shape hair returns.  This explains why some women have hair that returns different and then later goes back to normal.  Everyone say “AHHHHH”

FINALLY –

All my GIRL friends – if you need to schedule your mammogram DO IT!!!  If you are nervous to go get it done I WILL GO WITH YOU!!!  Just tell me when it is and I will be there (not in the testing room, your beasts are your own) but I will be in the waiting room with you for support!!!!